The World Changed Overnight

Last weekend, I went grocery shopping for the first time in nearly four months. Considering my underlying health conditions, my dad has been shopping for groceries while I stay in the vehicle. This method has worked out well, since it means that one of us is free of contaminants when it comes time to bring groceries into the house. No, we have not let our guard down. We are still wearing masks in public, and we are sanitizing our groceries when we bring them home. I just felt it was time that I saw for myself what the inside of the store was like after enduring four months of a pandemic. What I witnessed was a stark reminder of how the world has essentially changed overnight.

COVID-19 signs plastered the doors, aisle markers directed one-way traffic through the store, and special markers instructed shoppers where to stand in line to encourage social distancing. What a drastic difference to our last trip inside the grocery store together. Being that my dad and I love to cook and bake, it only makes sense that we also enjoy grocery shopping. Now, instead of a leisurely stroll through each aisle, we quickly grabbed the items on our list and vacated the premises. There is no fun found in looking at barren shelves, all while simultaneously trying to navigate between the shoppers with masks and those without.

A couple of months ago, someone commented to me concerning their disdain for the oft-repeated phrase, “a new normal,” when it comes to the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the entire world. Unfortunately, I believe we are now experiencing a “new normal,” for it seems the “old normal” becomes more of a distant memory every single day. How fragile this world is for everything to be “normal” one day, only to rapidly change in a way we would have never expected. One single cell emerged to inflict a global pandemic upon the earth, adversely affecting the lives of millions of people.

On the evening of March 13, 2020, the announcement was made that all schools in my home state of Florida would be closed. Other closures came about quickly, leading to a complete lockdown in many parts of the world. One moment, we were living our everyday lives. The next moment, we were striving to preserve our lives. Nearly fourteen million people have contracted COVID-19 around the globe. Sadly, almost four hundred thousand people have lost their lives to this highly infectious disease. To make matters worse, the numbers are increasing daily at greater-than-anticipated rates.

Now, as the new school year is just around the corner for the majority of students, there is much debate about when and how schools should reopen. There is equally great controversy over whether people should wear masks or not. Others disagree on whether the reopening of various types of businesses should move forward with zeal or slow down with caution. While everyone seems to have an opinion concerning the many unknown variables surrounding this plague, we are also battling the ill effects of civil unrest, abortions, sexual immorality, and a myriad of other negative influences on society. It seems human decency has been thrown out with yesterday’s newspaper. Even with the state of the world’s affairs, there is hope amid what seems like a hopeless situation.

Jesus Christ is the only source of everlasting hope. No matter what happens on this earth, we can always put our trust in Jesus Christ, for He will never fail. We can depend on Him to help us through every calamity in life. He said, “‘Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33 NLT). No matter what happens in this world, we can rest assured that Jesus has already conquered our vilest storms. He will be our shelter from the storm, serving as our refuge and strength in times of trouble (Ps. 46:1).

Even though the world has changed drastically over the past few months, the world will change in an even greater way when the Lord returns to this earth. For Christians, this will be the most glorious day of their lives. For non-believers, it will likely be the worst. God’s Word says He will come as a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2). Think about it. A burglar would not call or text you to let you know they were planning to break into your house. The news headlines will never read, “Christ Comes Back Tomorrow.” We must confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior before it is too late (see John 3:16; Romans 10:9).

If you have already put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Bible says we should share the Good News with everyone (Mark 16:15). First Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT) says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” Let us encourage everyone, reminding them that this world is our temporary home. The trials and tribulations we endure will only last for a moment, but the salvation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior will last for all eternity.

Although this world is ever changing, we can rest assured that Jesus Christ will never change. If you are burdened by the shortcomings of this world, take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ will always love you more than you could ever imagine. Nothing in the entire world will ever change this wondrous fact. While the world may seemingly change overnight, remember, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8 NLT).

The Answer for the World

Right now, millions of people are longing to return to their normal, daily lives. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, the way some people think, and the way others act. From the essential workers on the frontlines to the people who are staying safe at home, each one of us likely has a plethora of questions swirling about our minds. There are those who ask, “How can I adequately protect myself and my family?” Others want to know what they can do about their loss of income during the lockdown. Sorrowfully, thousands of families are wondering why their loved ones had to die. In such unprecedented times, we may not have all of the answers, but there is One on whom we can rely. In a world filled with questions, Jesus Christ is the answer for the world.

COVID-19 has affected the world in a way we have never seen before, causing many people to ask, “Where is God in all of this?” They continuously complain about everything from social distancing to travel restrictions, and some individuals feel as if God has abandoned them in the midst of their suffering. Some people are depressed and many have become fearful, even to the point of refraining from ordinary day-to-day activities. Others have embraced new ways of doing everyday things, opting for grocery delivery services and curbside pickup at retail stores. There are even families who have reinstated family dinners, taking advantage of extra quality time together. While some people have taken lemons and made lemonade, other people have a hard time walking into a business or doctor’s office seeing people wearing masks and other personal protective equipment, as it causes their anxiety levels to escalate to the point where their body involuntarily employs the physiological response known as fight or flight. Even now, as a large percentage of the world is under quarantine or stay-at-home orders, many people seem angry, discouraged, and confused. They do not know what to make of such widespread calamity going on around them.

For centuries, people have wondered why God would allow bad things to happen to good people. Ultimately, though, bad things have only happened to one good person in the history of humanity. Jesus Christ is the only good person to walk on the face of this earth. Jesus said, “‘There is only One who is good’” (Matt. 19:17 NLT). God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Romans 3:23 (NLT) says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Notice this verse does not say everyone, except for a few good people. It says everyone has sinned. Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NLT) says, “Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.” By God’s standards, I am not a good person. You are not a good person. No one on earth is an inherently good person. Only through the grace of God can we become good enough to enter into God’s Kingdom.

We cannot rely on our own merit to achieve salvation. Good deeds cannot save you. Having a lucrative career cannot save you. Loving your friends or family cannot save you. Going to church cannot save you. Jesus said, “‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6 NLT). Jesus Christ is the only way to receive the gift of eternal salvation. You do not have to live in a state of confusion any longer. Do not let the problems of the world overwhelm you. Isaiah 50:10 (NLT) says, “If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.” Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, and He wants to give you the “light that leads to life,” if you will put your trust in Him as your Lord and Savior (John 8:12 NLT).

Perhaps you are going through a very dark time in your life, whether due to the pandemic or other causes. You may feel as if the walls are closing in around you, and you cannot see a way to escape from your dire circumstances. Although I do not know what you are going through, I can tell you that I have experienced my own share of trials. In the fall of 2018, the doctors at Mayo Clinic showed me disheartening MRI results, which showed a possible malignant tumor the width of my entire leg. They were discussing amputation, oncology, and other terms that no one ever wants to hear. Through this physical battle, I sat on my sofa at home, with the exception of visits to the hospital, for three months straight. During this time of sitting still, I was writhing in pain so severe that it elevated my heart rate and blood pressure to life-threatening levels. My dad and I were greatly discouraged, but we put our trust in Jesus Christ. Yes, we had many questions, but we could not dwell on the uncertainties of life. We had to focus our attention on the One who gives life. I thank God every day for restoring my health. He deserves all of the glory, honor, and praise.

I want to encourage you today. You may not understand why you have to climb over mile-high mountains or forge raging rivers, but I can tell you that God will help you through this pandemic and every other difficult situation that you face. Jesus said, “‘I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33 NLT). No matter what, remember that Jesus Christ will walk beside you, guiding you through each rough patch. Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever imagine. Do not lose heart; He has already overcome every problem you will ever encounter. Instead of dwelling on the many questions of life, strive to “set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2 NIV). When you focus on Jesus Christ, the tribulations in this world will fade out of view.

Although I cannot answer the question as to when the coronavirus pandemic will end, I can tell you where to find the answers to all of the questions plaguing your mind. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” When we read God’s Word, He will show us the answers that we need. God wants to impart His wisdom, if we take time to listen to His still, small voice. May we all have a discerning heart and a listening ear when it comes to following the Lord’s leading, not just about the COVID-19 crisis, but in every aspect of our lives.

No organization, government, or religion has all of the answers. Jesus Christ is our only eternal hope. He is the Son of the only living God. Unlike this ever-changing world, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He is not only the answer for today’s problems, but He is the answer for all of our tomorrows. Put your trust in Jesus Christ today!

A New Season

Today is the first day of spring. Soon the flowers will bloom all around us as we enjoy the warmth of the sunshine upon our faces.  We have officially entered a new season. A new season brings new victories and new defeats. New doors will open and some doors will close. For with every new season, change is inevitable. Just as new buds are beginning to appear on trees, shrubbery, and flowering plants, our lives will continue to change every day.

New seasons can bring many changes. From new careers to new residences, each season brings about a myriad of possibilities. A new season could even bring a joyous new addition to the family. Even the temporary change of scenery one experiences on vacation can be an exciting adventure.

While these changes are most welcome, there are uninvited changes in life as well. The loss of a job, a burned out home, or the bereavement after losing a child can all be devastating. But even in these moments of despair, we have hope for the future. Jesus knew we would encounter trials in life. He said, “‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! But I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33 NIV). Even in the moments when you feel all hope is gone, there is eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

No matter what season you find yourself in today, God has not forgotten you. He “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5 NIV). If you find yourself in one of the most difficult seasons of your life, call on Him for help. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” God wants to hear from His children. He wants us to come to Him for help, just as a child goes to their parents for comfort when they fall and scrape their knee. You are never beyond the reach of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:35-39 NIV).

New seasons also remind us that we can start anew. Think of your New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you endeavored to lose weight, make amends with a long-lost family member, or read the Bible in a year. It’s never too late to start something new. Jesus said, “‘What is impossible with man is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27 NIV). As someone once said, you can only fall so many times before you get back up again. God will help you if you look to Him for wisdom and guidance.

This spring, thank God for the blessings He sends your way. Trust Him in the moments when fear or disappointment threatens to overwhelm you. While life may change at a rapid pace, remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). He loves you more than you could imagine and His love for you will never change. Through every season of life, He will always prove faithful. Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.

In Christ's Service,
Jennifer

Honor Your Mother

Mother’s Day is one of the most beloved holidays on the calendar.  The mere mention of Mom evokes a feeling that symbolizes a lifetime of love.  Whether she is called Mother, Mom, Mama, Mum, or Mommy, the woman who takes care of her household and gives birth to her children is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).  So take a moment today to praise your mother for everything she has done for you.  From changing your diapers and cleaning up your messes to being your personal chauffeur to countless activities and giving you a priceless treasure trove of wisdom, your mother has loved you unconditionally since the day you were conceived.  Whether you buy her a sentimental card or a bountiful bouquet of flowers, the most important thing you could do for your mother is to let her know you appreciate her and you love her.

Perhaps you are like me and your mom is no longer living on this earth.  You may question, “Why can’t we fast forward through the commercials mentioning Mother’s Day, avoid the greeting card aisles, and stop hearing about all of the endless celebrations honoring mom?”  The answer is simple.  God wants us to honor our mothers every day of our lives.  Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “‘Honor your father and mother’--which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”  You see, we are not only to honor our parents in order to please them.  We are to honor our parents in order to please God.  By doing so, God has promised that we can enjoy a long life on this earth.

As a child, it seemed that nothing could ever separate my mom, dad, and I.  We were like the Three Musketeers.  In my mind, we would always be together.  I already had plans of building a house on our property upon getting married.  My children could see their grandparents every day of the year, providing we were not busy traveling the globe.  I knew it would be amazing to have my mom close by, to answer all of the questions that marriage and motherhood would raise.  Suddenly, though, on August 2, 2008, all of my dreams for the future came crashing down around me.  My mom had a heart attack and went to be with the Lord.  There was no warning, no chance for goodbyes.  The world as I knew it up until that tragic night changed instantly.  Nothing could have ever prepared me for the void in my heart.

That’s often how things happen.  Life changes in the blink of an eye.  In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation, establishing the first national Mother’s Day holiday.  Less than three months later, World War I ensued, resulting in over 22 million casualties.  I’m sure on the first Mother’s Day, many mothers and children alike never dreamed their lives would change forever over the course of the next four years.  But the family members who survived this catastrophic battle likely became closer knit, held together by an even stronger bond of love, with the complete realization of how fragile and precious life truly is.  Even though their lives changed drastically, they continued living life.  They did not stop honoring their parents, but continued to honor them through the way they lived their own lives.

Since my mom passed away, bittersweet memories still cloud many aspects of my life, especially on Mother’s Day.  While things have changed, and I no longer know what God’s plan is for me concerning marriage and motherhood, I know for certain that God holds my future in His hands.  I may not understand everything He has planned for me, but I trust in His perfect will.  Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” My dad and I love God.  We know we are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for our shared heart for ministry and music.  God has blessed us with a strong father-daughter bond.  No matter what trials come our way, or what battles we find ourselves in, God will work all things out for our good.

I want to encourage you today.  God will do the same for you.  If your heart breaks with the thought of another Mother’s Day without your mom, rest assured that God will work all things out for your good.  Focus on the priceless memories you have of your mom.  Honor her by telling someone a story as you reminisce over the cherished time you shared with your mom.  Honor her by spending time with your dad, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or friends who knew her.  Honor her by giving the greatest gift you could ever give to your children: unconditional love.  Most importantly, remember that God has not forsaken you.  God says in His Word, “‘As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you’” (Isaiah 66:13).  Even in the absence of your mother, know that God is watching over you, comforting you, loving you unconditionally.  Your Heavenly Father will mend your broken heart and restore your joy.  Unlike the people and pleasures found in this world, He is the only One who eternally can fill the void of a parent, a child, or any other loved one.  You are loved by the One who created the Heavens and the Earth!  Rest in His loving arms this Mother’s Day!

Mothers are extraordinary women.  Sadly, they will not be in our lives forever.  The Bible says that our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next.  So cherish each moment you have with your mother.  If your mom is still living, spend as much time as you can with her, give her a warm embrace, and tell her how much you love her.  Honor your mother and your father.  Above all, honor God, our faithful Friend, our compassionate Comforter, and our loving Father in Heaven.  He is the Father to the fatherless and the mother to the motherless.  Tell someone about Jesus Christ and His infinite love this Mother’s Day.  I could think of no better way to honor your mother!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Life is About Living

When I was a college student, I heard and saw a lot of things.  As a Christian, there were many times that I chose to omit a reading assignment, simply because of my personal beliefs.  Other than that, I was the studious student who sat in the front row every day, always asking and answering questions, eager to participate in the class as much as I possibly could without dominating the conversation, which I am sure I often did.  The professors loved having me in their class, always complimenting me on my obvious love for knowledge.  All of my hard work paid off when I achieved a 4.0 GPA on my Master of Science degree, having completed all six years of college with honors.  Of course, I give all of the praise and honor and glory to Jesus Christ, for without Him, I am nothing.  Without Him, I could not do anything.  But with God on my side, I can do anything!

While my college career was primarily a positive one, there was one assignment that I learned about in one of my education classes that disturbed me.  The professor said a worthwhile assignment in an English class for middle or high school students would be to have them write their obituary.  As the words spilled out of their mouth, I was shocked and horrified that this professor would ask mere children and teenagers to write their own obituary.  How mortifying!  I was greatly relieved when I learned that we would not have to personally complete this exercise ourselves.  And while I now understand the merit in the assignment, I much prefer asking my students to write positive, upbeat poetry, essays, and stories.  Nevertheless, I do think it is something we should not necessarily do, but we should all certainly think about.

Now before you get bent out of shape like I was originally, I do not want you to leave this blog or on the contrary, run and grab your pen and paper to begin writing.  Instead, I want you to look at the way you are living your life.  When you go to work, do you have a smile on your face?  Or is your face twisted up into a sour expression?  Do you greet people in the checkout lane at the grocery store, or do you give them a grimacing look because they got ahead of you in line by one millisecond?  And when you go to church on Sunday, do you have a smile on your face and greet everyone sweetly, only to get in the car on the way home and complain about the pastor’s sermon being too long?  Or do you go home and ponder what the pastor said, reading your Bible and studying the scriptures more carefully to get ready for the week ahead?  You see, living life isn’t just about getting up and going to work, eating dinner and going to bed, just to repeat the process the next day.  Life should be about living.

When a teacher’s students are asked to write an obituary for themselves, they must think about the way other people view their lives.  How do people see them?  What have they done that would be remembered?  And how have they treated their family, their friends, their neighbors, coworkers, pastor, and even strangers on the street?  These are the things people will remember.  Most will not even know if you remembered to feed the cat this morning, whether you came to the annual Christmas party last year, or if you donated money to a charity last month online.  They are going to remember how you act every single day of the year.  They will remember how you carry yourself on good days and bad.  They will recall whether or not you have a cheery disposition or a gloomy one.  They will remember if you lived a life for yourself or a life for Christ.

So the next time you are in the grocery store, be the person who sees someone with fewer items in their cart and offer to allow them to skip ahead of you in line.  Be the individual who smiles all of the time, regardless of what is going on around you.  Be the person who people want to be around.  Not because of the clothes you wear, the car you drive or the way you look, but because of the way you act.  Be the one who keeps their head held high, grateful for each and every new day, rain or shine.  Be the light in a world of darkness.  Be the change this world needs.  Let the joy of Jesus Christ shine forth in such a way that it is contagious!  Through your Christ-like example, people will be reminded that life isn’t about sweating the small stuff.  Life is about living.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Starfish

I will never forget the story of the starfish.  Two people are walking along the beach.  As they are walking, they encounter a large number of starfish that have washed upon the shore.  One of them bends down, picks up a starfish, and tosses it back into the ocean.  The other person asks, “What good did that do?  Look at all of them.  That didn’t make a difference.”  The first person replies, “It made a difference to that one.”

What about you?  Would you pick up a starfish?  Maybe your starfish is not a starfish at all, but maybe God is calling you to telephone a friend who needs a word of encouragement or purchase a bag of groceries for the family next door.  Perhaps God has laid it on your heart to provide a meal for the homeless person you see on the corner each morning you drive to work, or to smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day.  I’m sure many of us would jump at the chance to go on a mission trip to the other side of the world, or to provide clothes, household items, and food for a family whose house burned down.  While these things are certainly worthwhile, we need to make sure we do not lose sight of the daily blessing we can be to others.

When Jesus returns to this earth, the Bible says that He will say to those blessed by His Father, “‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV).  The righteous will ask, “‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’” (Matthew 25:37-39 NIV).  Jesus will reply, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

When we help someone in need, we may not even know their name.  But God knows exactly who they are.  He knows whether or not we will help them.  And if we do help them, we are helping Jesus.  For whatever we do for someone in need, we are doing for Him.  So the next time you make a phone call to check on someone, visit the local nursing home, pay for someone’s meal, or simply share a smile to brighten someone’s day, remember, you are doing it for Jesus.  It may seem insignificant to you, but it is significant to God.  Even the smallest action, like tossing a starfish back into the water, can make a huge difference in someone’s life.  In the case of the starfish, it not only changed its life, but saved it.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Something New

I’d like to invite you think back to the day when you last purchased something new.  Perhaps it was a new car, a new pair of shoes, or even a new bag of potato chips.  Do you remember that “new car smell?”  Or the way your new shoes were so clean and bright?  And it’s always more fun to pull out the first whole potato chip, as opposed to reaching down in the bag for the last few crumbs!

What is it about something new?  It makes us feel happy and at times, it may even bring back fond childhood memories of a new bicycle or a new puppy or kitten to love.  As humans, we are not generally attracted to old, ugly, discarded pieces of merchandise.  While someone once said that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” we can be assured that there are some pieces of trash that are just that: trash.  Still, we continuously find ourselves trying to sell this “trash” at yard sales, flea markets, and the like.  Or we may determine that something we own simply needs to be placed in the infamous “file 13.”  No matter how they get rid of the “junk,” people usually follow the old adage, “Out with the old and in with the new.”

Every 365 days, we are given something new: a new year.  Every year, we virtually are given the chance to hit the reset button.  We have the chance to live a fuller life, love a lot deeper, and laugh even harder.  A new year brings with it the opportunity to make amends with family or friends or spend more time with your parents, spouse, or children.  Yet, in our rush to get through another day, there are times when we simply stick to our old ways.

Likewise, there are times when we keep driving the same car, even though it’s broken down five times in the last week.  God may have even sent the money for the down payment on a new car, but we keep putting it off until next week.  And those new shoes in the closet never get worn because they’re not “broken in” yet.  So, we continue wearing our ragged pair instead.  Then we can hardly finish our work day because of the pain in our feet from the worn out soles that offer no support.

Similarly, you may already be ignoring the New Year.  Instead of using this fresh start as a reset button, you may be continuing to live as before.  You might be living in fear, feeling unloved, or struggling with no hope in sight.  You may have plans to give God your life next week, next month, or next year.  Your old life is “broken in” and while it has its flaws, a life with God may seem even more uncomfortable, much like a new pair of shoes.  Yet, a life with God will be clean and bright, filled with God’s amazing unconditional love and grace.

God often opens doors for us in our lives.  He may open the door to a better paying job, a new home, or a new family.  He may even open the door to a new life with God at the center.  When God opens a door, He gives us the choice as to whether or not we will walk through it.  If we just stand there on the wrong side of the door, nothing will change.  But if we take that first step across the threshold, everything changes.

God’s Word says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).  This is the 29th day of the year.  Don’t wait any longer to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He will restore your hope, fill you with joy, and mend your broken heart.  Throw out the old, ugly parts of your life and replace them with new, joyous ones.  Take that first step.  Walk through the door.  Embrace this New Year by beginning a new life in Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Changing Leaves

On this first day of October, I woke up to find a crisp, cool breeze outside, something quite uncommon in this part of the world. Living in Florida, we do not generally have a significant change of seasons, yet I have grown to notice the subtle changes that occur at this time of the year. For instance, the warming nature of a friends’ status update on Facebook concerning a pot of chili she has simmering on the stove in celebration of the fall weather coming on. Or the beauty of the increasing number of pumpkins, scarecrows, and mums displayed on every corner. Everywhere I look, I see the transition from summer colors to fall ones. And you know what? The leaves aren’t the only things that are changing.

Just like the changing leaves, our lives change each season, each month, each week, and each day of our lives. Some of these changes are welcome, much like the refreshing nature of the cooler weather in the fall or the birth of a new infant. But other changes are undesired, such as the failing health of a friend or loved one or added stress from a new job. Even so, we do not have control over these situations. We cannot change the future no more than we can change the past. But we can pray for God’s strength and peace to help us get through every difficulty we encounter.

Recently, I have had several close family members and friends face critical medical conditions. Just today, I found out that one dear friend may be battling cancer and another may be going into assisted living. Another has doctors trying to figure what is causing their discomfort, and still another is being asked to try a fairly new medication to see if it will help them. Several others are facing various trials in their lives as well. None of them expected to have their health change so drastically, but their physical condition changed nonetheless. Still, they must ask God for strength and healing, holding on to the joy that still exists all around them, despite the unwelcome change in their lives.

Personally, I have seen change in my own life as well, some welcome and some otherwise. Being blessed with my first trip to Europe this summer was a very welcome change from our usual summer routine. This was a change that filled my heart with joy and provided me with an epic adventure that I will always cherish in my heart. On the other side of the coin, there was one change three years ago that caused my heart to break in two. Losing my mom was a very unwanted, tragic change. There are still days when I cannot believe that she is not here with me. I cannot comprehend why this happened. I only know that it did and there is nothing I can do about it.

Both of these changes came like a gust of autumn wind, but what a difference between the two. Even so, I know that God is always with me. He was with me as I made my way to the top of the Eiffel Tower, just like He was with me when I sang at my mom’s funeral. You see, He wants to be a part of every aspect of my life, from the most amazing joys to the darkest sorrows. He walks with me in good times and bad. And He wants to do the same for you. All you have to do is ask.

Much like the brilliantly colored leaves that fall to the ground, the changes we experience in life will never be distinctly alike. Some of changes will be pleasant ones that we wish would last forever and others will bring with them an unpleasantness that seems unbearable. No matter what type of change you are going through, God will walk through the valley with you. He will hold your hand. He will carry you all the way. While this world may be racked to the core with change, there is one thing that will never, ever change. Remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). Put your trust in Jesus. Don’t let the unwelcome changes in life get you down. Instead, step outside in the crisp, fall air. Listen to the rustle of the wind blowing gently through the trees. Spend some time alone with God in prayer in the midst of the changing leaves.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer